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Author
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Topic: Why so many different ISS resupply spacecraft?
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ASCAN1984
Member Posts: 1049
From: County Down, Nothern Ireland
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 09-29-2013 03:00 PM
   
Why are there so many different types cargo freighters for the International Space Station instead of just two or three? |
lspooz
Member Posts: 384
From: Greensboro, NC USA
Registered: Aug 2012
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posted 09-29-2013 05:00 PM
I'd say it's part of the eventual trend for private corporations to follow the paths set by NASA. It's probably a good idea to have multiple options for sending cargo/crew up-n-down; the more the merrier. |
Ronpur
Member Posts: 1211
From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012
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posted 09-29-2013 06:08 PM
Maybe trying not to put all your eggs in one basket. If one flight system has a failure, another can continue. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-29-2013 06:22 PM
Presently, there are five different cargo carriers: - Russia's Progress
- Europe's Automated Transfer Vehicle
- Japan's H-II Transfer Vehicle
- SpaceX's Dragon
- Orbital's Cygnus
Europe's ATV only has one more flight and then is being retired.Russia's Progress services primarily the Russian segment of the space station, as well refuels the station's engines and delivers water and air. Japan's HTV services JAXA's Kibo laboratory, including its external platform, as well delivers air and water for the USOS. SpaceX's Dragon is the only carrier that can bring large cargo back to Earth, and brings supplies to the USOS. Orbital's Cygnus also services the USOS, and can deorbit station refuse. |
SkyMan1958
Member Posts: 867
From: CA.
Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 09-29-2013 08:54 PM
What is Europe going to use to resupply after the last ATV? Is there a new platform they are planning on or are they buying space on someone else's resupply vessels? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42988
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-29-2013 09:26 PM
They will be flying supplies on the other existing spacecraft. ESA decided to devote its resources and ATV team toward developing and building the service module for Orion. |
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